HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-06 RecommendationCity of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
August2,1996
TO:
FROM:
Mayor and City ,Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
RE:
Bushnell's Turtle Outdoor Service Area
On July 29 a staff meeting was held to discuss the request from Bushnell's Turtle for an
exemption from the screening requirements. The meeting was attended by City Attorney Linda
Woito, Police Chief R.J. Winkelhake, Fire Chief Andy Rocca, Sr. Building Inspector Ron Boose
and myself.
Staff discussed the request for a permanent exemption; the present Code requirement for a 5-8
foot fence surrounding an outdoor service area; the distinction between the ability to regulate
hours of operation for a sidewalk cafe on City property (Panchero's) versus an outdoor service
area on private property such as Bushnell's Turtle; and the whole issue of serving alcoholic
beverages outside. After discussion of various issues involved staff recommends the following:
1. The request for a permanent exemption from the screening requirements be denied.
A one year waiver of the fencing requirements be granted with the understanding that the
owner of the establishment install a gate to allow an exit from the premises only (Code
does not permit an access to the premises or the gate to be left open). The present
height of the fence would remain the same until such a time staff can review and present
to Council new regulations for outdoor service areas that may affect the height
requirement.
New regulations would be presented to Council during the off-season/winter months and a
reasonable time would be allowed each establishment to comply. In Bushnell's Turtle case it is
understood that the fence height would comply to new regulations by the time of their yearly
regular inspection next July.
An item is on the August 6 council agenda for action. If Council agrees with staff
recommendations, no further discussion is needed and an affirmative vote on the Consent
Calendar will allow staff to inform Bushnell's Turtle. More information will be sent to Council
regarding possible changes to outdoor service regulations later this year·
CC:
Aziz Longou, Owner
Dean Keegan, Attorney
Linda Woito, City Attorney
R.J. Winkelhake, Police Chief
Andy Rocca, Fire Chief
Ron Boose, Sr. Building Inspector